Maryland is famous for its incredible seafood, from buttery crab cakes to steamed blue crabs piled high on newspaper-covered tables. Whether you live here or are just passing through, the state’s coastal waters and Chesapeake Bay make it one of the best places in the country to enjoy fresh, flavorful seafood.
With so many amazing spots to choose from, picking the right restaurant can feel overwhelming. This guide highlights 12 outstanding seafood restaurants across Maryland that deserve a spot on your must-visit list in 2026.
Faidley’s Seafood, Baltimore
Since 1886, Faidley’s Seafood has been the heartbeat of Baltimore’s Lexington Market. Their jumbo lump crab cakes are legendary — packed with sweet, fresh crab meat and barely any filler, they practically melt in your mouth.
Locals and tourists alike line up for a taste of history here. Faidley’s earned Maryland’s Best approval and sources ingredients locally whenever possible.
If you only try one crab cake in your life, make it this one.
LP Steamers, Baltimore
Few things say Maryland louder than a mountain of steamed blue crabs covered in Old Bay seasoning. LP Steamers in Locust Point, South Baltimore, does exactly that — and does it beautifully.
The waterfront location adds a breezy, relaxed atmosphere that makes the experience even better. Crabs are steamed fresh to order, so you always get peak flavor and tenderness.
Bring your patience, some napkins, and a big appetite because leaving here hungry is basically impossible.
The Narrows Restaurant, Grasonville
Perched right on Kent Narrows, The Narrows Restaurant offers one of the most breathtaking waterfront dining experiences in all of Maryland. The view alone is worth the drive, but the food absolutely keeps you coming back.
Their menu celebrates Chesapeake Bay flavors with dishes like crab imperial and rockfish prepared with a refined touch. It strikes a perfect balance between upscale atmosphere and laid-back Eastern Shore charm.
Definitely make a reservation before heading over.
Silver Queen Cafe, Baltimore
Tucked away on Harford Road in Northeast Baltimore, Silver Queen Cafe carries a quiet pride in supporting local Maryland farmers and watermen. Their use of Chesapeake wild-caught blue catfish puts a spotlight on an underappreciated local species that deserves far more attention.
With a 4.6-star rating and a loyal neighborhood following, this spot keeps it real — honest ingredients, honest cooking. It’s the kind of place that feels like a well-kept secret worth sharing with everyone you know.
Cantler’s Riverside Inn, Annapolis
Cantler’s Riverside Inn has been a beloved Annapolis institution since 1974, and for good reason. Sitting on Mill Creek with boats floating by, this is the quintessential Maryland crab house experience — casual, loud, and absolutely delicious.
Steamed crabs are the star, but their seafood platters and crab soup also draw serious praise. The no-frills setting with wooden picnic tables and plastic trays somehow makes everything taste even better.
Old-school Maryland dining at its finest.
Bluestone Restaurant, Timonium
Bluestone Restaurant in Timonium brings a polished, farm-to-table philosophy to Maryland’s seafood scene. Their menu rotates with the seasons, ensuring every dish uses the freshest available ingredients from local farms and waters.
Pan-seared fish, creative shellfish appetizers, and thoughtfully crafted sauces make every plate feel special. It’s a go-to for date nights or celebratory dinners when you want something a little more elevated.
The warm, attentive service makes every guest feel genuinely welcome from start to finish.
Portside Seafood Restaurant, Ocean City
Ocean City is a seafood lover’s paradise, and Portside Seafood Restaurant stands out among the crowd. With sweeping bay views and a menu built around classic Maryland flavors, it captures the spirit of a perfect beach town seafood meal.
Fried shrimp baskets, steamed clams, and their fan-favorite crab cake sandwich keep regulars coming back summer after summer. The casual atmosphere makes it family-friendly and stress-free.
Grab a window seat if you can — the view is half the experience.
Stoney Creek Inn, Baltimore
Stoney Creek Inn sits along the water in Anne Arundel County, offering a relaxed outdoor dining experience that screams summer in Maryland. Cold drinks, fresh crabs, and a view of the creek make this spot irresistible on a warm afternoon.
The menu sticks to crowd-pleasing seafood classics done right — steamed shrimp, crab soup, and soft-shell crab sandwiches. Regulars love the laid-back vibe where you never feel rushed.
It’s the kind of spot you stumble upon once and return to every season.
Carrol’s Creek Cafe, Annapolis
Carrol’s Creek Cafe overlooks Spa Creek in Annapolis with a view so stunning that it almost distracts from the incredible food — almost. This waterfront gem has been impressing diners with refined Chesapeake-inspired cuisine for decades.
Expect dishes like crab imperial, grilled rockfish, and expertly prepared oysters on the half shell. The indoor and outdoor seating both offer gorgeous harbor views.
Whether you’re celebrating something special or just treating yourself, Carrol’s Creek always delivers a memorable, well-rounded dining experience.
The Crab Claw, St. Michaels
St. Michaels is one of Maryland’s most charming Eastern Shore towns, and The Crab Claw fits right in. Open since 1965, this iconic spot sits directly on the Miles River with a dock, boats, and a menu full of honest, no-fuss seafood.
Steamed crabs, clam chowder, and fresh shrimp are the highlights, all served in an atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time. Tourists and locals share tables and crab mallets here — and that’s exactly what makes it magic.
Ryleigh’s Oyster, Baltimore
Oyster lovers, this one is for you. Ryleigh’s Oyster in Federal Hill is one of Baltimore’s most celebrated raw bars, offering an impressive rotating selection of East Coast and West Coast oysters served ice-cold and pristinely fresh.
Beyond the raw bar, their seafood menu includes creative small plates and satisfying entrees that showcase Maryland’s coastal bounty. The lively atmosphere and knowledgeable staff make exploring different oyster varieties fun and approachable — even for first-timers who have never cracked one open before.
Suicide Bridge Restaurant, Hurlock
Don’t let the name scare you — Suicide Bridge Restaurant in Hurlock is one of the most charming and unique dining destinations on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Perched over the Choptank River, it offers sweeping marsh views and a menu packed with Chesapeake classics.
Crab cakes, steamed shrimp, and their famous seafood buffet draw visitors from across the state. A vintage paddleboat sits nearby, adding quirky character to the whole experience.
It’s rustic, memorable, and genuinely worth the road trip.